The conference, which is scheduled for 14 - 16 August, 2007 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia will host a Seminar on Spatial Data Infrastructure on 16 August. The Seminar, being organised by the Malaysian Centre for Geospatial Data Infrastructure (MaCGDI), which is will be attended by representatives from SEAPAC regions Surveying and Mapping agencies, representatives from local and International industry and government as well. As a key component for planned development, organising Spatial Data Infrastructure is increasingly seen as a requisite by most countries in the SEAPAC region. Countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia are already doing a lot to develop and implement SDIs in their respective countries. Agencies have been formed to collect, manage and disseminate spatial data in this region like MaCGDI in Malaysia and BAKOSURTANAL in Indonesia. The pacific countries – New Zealand and Australia already have an organised agency, ANZLIC as the Spatial Information Council, which provides leadership in collection, management and use of spatial information in that region.

In Malaysia, MaCGDI is not only an advisor to the Government of Malaysia in the formulation and implementation of policies regarding geospatial data but also, acts as the national centre for dissemination of geospatial data. With an aim of conveying the latest and correct geospatial information quickly and reliably, it manages to avoid wastage.

“Map Asia 2007 is seen as an ideal venue for exchange of ideas and discussions on the many important and pressing issues related to developing SDI in the region. We are glad that many government agencies and the industry as well has shown keen interest for such a forum during the conference. It has always been our endeavour to provide such opportunities to the Geospatial Technology users and developers that will result in enhancement of the science and lead to its increased usage.” Quotes Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of GIS Development, the organising body of Map Asia 2007.

The conference, established in 2002 has travelled in the SEAPAC region and is being held in Malaysia for the second time since 2003. With a theme like “Maponomics – Economic Growth Through Geo-Information Technology” the conference will address key issues like Asian Economies – The Spatial Perspective, RoI in Geospatial Technologies and Applications, Infrastructure Development and Engineering and Technology Trends through its Keynote Sessions.

An estimated 1000 + delegates will attend the three day long conference. More than 50 companies, both local and international will showcase their products and services at the parallely held exhibition during Map Asia 2007.

The conference is being sponsored by ESRI and DigitalGlobe as Platinum Sponsors, Hewlett & Packard and Bentley as Gold Sponsors and Leica and Ionic Software as Silver Sponsors. It has also received support from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Malaysia, JUPEM, MaCGDI, GITA, OGC, PCGIAP, UNESCO, CSDMS, University Putra Malaysia, University Technology Malaysia, Survey Department, Brunei, Department of Statistics, Malaysia, BAKOSURTANAL, Indonesia, GISTDA, Thailand, Tourism Malaysia and Economic Planning Unit, Prime Minister’s Department Malaysia.

About Map Asia

Founded in the year 2002, Map Asia is the largest Annual Asian Conference and Exhibition in the field of GIS, GPS, Aerial Photography and Remote Sensing in South East Asia and Pacific Region. The conference works towards meeting the requirements of the Geo-informatics community in the Asian region and raises a platform for the Asian Geo-informatics community to realize, recognize, and reveal the stages of dissemination of Geospatial Information. Map Asia leverages an international initiative aimed to provide an apt platform for the convergence, sharing and use of Geospatial technologies.

www.MapAsia.org

About Malaysian Centre for Geospatial Data Infrastructure - MaCGDI

MaCGDI was founded in 2002 to establish Malaysian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (MyGDI) as the Malaysian NSDI. Beyond establishing MyGDI, MaCGDI plays crucial roles to spearhead the geospatial industry in Malaysia towards materialising the benefits of geospatial information. Key activities of MaCGDI include facilitating the sharing and dissemination of geospatial data among users and data providers besides formulation of policies and standards that are implemented through MyGDI as well as providing professional services related to the geospatial industry in Malaysia.

www.mygeoportal.gov.my/macgdi/index.cfm About GIS Development

GIS Development promotes and propagates the usage of Geographic Information Science, Technology and Applications in various areas of development, worldwide and Asia in particular. It assists community and government in developing their productivity, policies and management capabilities by facilitating knowledge transfer in the domain of geographic information. It fosters the growing network of those interested in geo-informatics and encourages the exchange of scientific know-how through its key platforms: Magazines, Portal, Conferences and Training.